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Nutrition Science

© Archana Khambekar

From rapid weight loss diets to foods that heal, it is almost every other day that we hear about nutritional discoveries. If you'd like to get to the truth behind these claims or learn more about what to eat and why, the science of nutrition can provide you the answers. It is a discipline that explains the role of nutrients throughout the life cycle, how they are metabolized in the body, and the use of diet therapy in the prevention and treatment of diseases. The knowledge is relevant to the well-being of individuals as well as to the development of food consumer products and services for the public.

Given that nutrition and dietetics are an integral part of health care services, expertise in this area can lead to a rewarding career path that is in line with your interests. A solid background in nutrition science will prepare you for the following job responsibilities:

* Be a Registered Dietitian after completion of an American Dietetic Association (ADA) accredited practice experience. You can then serve as a clinical or community dietitian and provide nutritional counseling to individuals and groups in clinics, health care facilities, medical offices, corporations and fitness centers. Alternatively, you can set up private practice and offer nutrition screening for clients, and develop plans for weight loss, cholesterol reduction or other diet related problems that they may have.

* Implement educational programs to improve the nutritional status of the community.

* Work in policy planning in government health agencies and public health associations.

* Take up administrative positions in health care facilities, school and business food service operations and athletic organizations. Related job functions could include ensuring quality control, supervising other dietitians and food service workers, budgeting for food, and supplies, implementing sanitary regulations, and maintaining records.

* Educate nutrition and allied health professionals in an academic setting.

* With further study in chemistry, undertake food science research for ingredient and product development.

You could also opt for associated career tracks in advertising and marketing of dietary supplements, or reporting for food/nutrition related media.

A bachelor's degree with a major in dietetics or nutrition is the minimum educational requirement for a nutritionist. There are various routes to getting your professional credentials some of which are outlined below:

1) American Dietetic Association (ADA) accredited coordinated programs and didactic programs in dietetics. After completion of approved coursework they offer post-bachelor's internships and pre-professional supervised practice.

2) Certified Nutrition Specialist qualification from the college of nutrition that requires a master's degree in Nutrition and a National Exam.

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